The Incredible History Of These Popular Minnesota Caves Will Blow Your Mind

On your next visit to St. Paul, some amazing historic locations you might not find in your average tour books are the Wabasha Street Caves. Together, they form this famous hillside venue and are not only a man-made wonder, but also reminder of St. Paul's little known seedy past.

The sandstone caves (actually mines) were carved over a century ago, and they stand along the shore of the Mississippi.

In the 1920s, St. Paul was a notorious gangster hideout, and some of its most well-known, and dangerous, residents like John Dillinger, Ma Barker, and Babyface Nelson sought refuge in the city, and more specifically the caves.

This was because gangsters were allowed by the chief of police to stay in St. Paul as long as they reported their arrival, paid bribes, and didn't commit crimes within the city limits.

The street caves were used during those times as a speakeasy.

Now, you can even relive this history with some of the tours offered. They not only teach you about the history of the caves, but other once shady spots in St. Paul as well.

But the caves have a much more varied history than just their speakeasy days.

They were also used to grow mushrooms, store items, and they were even converted to a finished nightclub called The Castle Royal in the 1930s and again to a disco in the 70s.

It's fascinating to think of all the purposes that these mined caves could serve.

However, that being said, the gangster days really were their heyday, and of course that means that many notorious gangsters haunt the caves today, but you'll just have to find that out for yourself.

So check it out or even rent it for your next event, that is, if you don't scare too easily.

Have you ever been to the Wabasha Street Caves? What was your favorite part? Tell us on the Only in Minnesota Facebook Page!